Shooting Star Children’s Hospice Christmas Party 2010

I had the enormous privilege of representing Quinssa at the party on the 22nd December where I joined a dozen or so of the players in witnessing some very moving moments and some very silly ones too.

The guys all threw themselves into the spirit of the event and helped bring some joy to the crowd of residents, families, staff and well-wishers. High profile rugby player one moment – dance partner for a child in a wheelchair the next.  I was struck by the joy this obviously brought to the faces of those children. It was very humbling for me to see the dedication and commitment of the staff and the families, and to understand just a little about their daily and continuous enthusiasm to make life better for the children at the hospice. They had me close to tears a few times.

To all of you who donated gifts and/or money to our recent appeal on behalf of the children may I convey the considerable gratitude of the team there for your generosity. You helped bring some real joy to these kids. Those of us who don’t have to deal with such difficulty in our lives can offer our best wishes and real help only through such gifts.

The highlight of the day was the “Shooting Stars Got Talent” show which featured players, staff, family members and a couple of the resident children performing in front of the masked panel of judges who were of course:

Simon Cowell - played by Philip Glenister of “Ashes to Ashes” fame

Amanda Holden - played by one of the staff

Piers Morgan - convincingly played by Mark Lambert

Between various very moving musical and dance routines the players did their best to provide the silly moments. James Johnston performed a Haka and, despite the appeals of all the women there, refused to remove his shirt! Ugo pretended he couldn’t dance and Simon suggested he stick to the day job. Rory Clegg, Jordon Turner-Hall and Chris Robshaw joined Ugo on the dance floor just long enough to prove that they won’t be getting a call from “Strictly” for a decade or two. Finally the “rev” Pete Browne sang “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” to great acclaim.

The real talent came from the kids and their families, not forgetting the staff who had a few routines of their own. All in all it was a moving, heart-wrenching, emotional and joyous occasion. I felt I was very lucky to witness it all first hand.

The club, players and supporters are held in great esteem by everyone at the hospice and we can be proud of our small but worthwhile involvement with these precious and deserving children.